Lawmakers to question DHS head following audits

April 5, 2016 at 9:15 a.m. | Updated April 5, 2016 at 9:09 p.m.

by Staff Report

The Tennessee Capitol is shown in Nashville. Gov. Bill Haslam's administration says 700 workers have accepted buyouts in what the administration says is an attempt to right-size state government. The Tennessee State Employees Association says it fears the move will lead to reduced services for state residents.
The Tennessee Capitol is shown in Nashville. Gov. Bill Haslam's administration says 700 workers have accepted buyouts in what the administration says is an attempt to right-size state government. The Tennessee State Employees Association says it fears the move will lead to reduced services for state residents.

NASHVILLE (AP) - The head of the state Department of Human Services is expected to be questioned about her agency's oversight of a nearly $80 million federal food program.

State lawmakers have asked DHS Commissioner Raquel Hatter to come before a Senate oversight subcommittee Tuesday following an audit that raises questions about how $11.5 was spent in a program that provides food to disadvantaged children and disabled adults.

Audits and investigations by the state comptroller's office have uncovered theft and fraud into the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program and have blamed at least some of the problems on a lack of oversight into the programs. Under the programs, the state contracts with organizations to use the federal money to feed the needy.

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